The University of Washington Genomics Outreach for Minorities (UW GenOM) Project is an outreach program that targets underrepresented and underserved students interested in life sciences and scientific research. We have several programs that involve undergraduate research as well as one program, ALVA, for incoming freshmen to the University of Washington-Seattle.

I know that you work with high school students and teachers around the state, and I am hoping that you will pass this information on to any high school seniors you may work with thatare interested in genetics and scientific research. Applicants must plan to attend the University of Washington main campus in Seattle, WA for Fall 2014 and have an application on file with the University. University of Washington applications are due December 1, 2013.

Program Overview

During the first two weeks of this nine-week program, students participate in intensive lab and bioethics training. Through interactive learning, students learn pipette skills, DNA sequencing, biological processes, and a variety of other lab techniques as well as the fundamentals of bioethics. For the remainder of the program, students are paired with a mentor and conduct research. Students will also participate in a daily math course which extends the full length of the program, and a chemistry course that takes place during the last seven weeks of the program. The purpose of these courses is to prepare students for their future academic careers in the STEM fields.

Dates for the program

June 21st – August 22nd

Application

There are two components to the GenOM ALVA application; an online application, including a resume and personal statement, and additional materials including official transcripts and two letters of recommendation. The online portion of the application will close at 5:00pm PST on Friday, February 28, 2014. All official transcripts and mailed letters of recommendation must be postmarked no later than February 28, 2014. Emailed recommendations must be sent no later than 5:00pm PST on Friday, February 28, 2014.

For more information about the application process, including the links to the online application and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please visit our website.

In addition, the UW GenOM Project also maintains a mailing list for high school teachers, counselors and outreach program staff that is used to send out information about programs that are of interests to high school students and staff. If you would like to join the mailing list, please register here and feel free to send the link to your colleagues.